I'm getting the extra clips tomorrow and yes, the frame is metal. I'll put some books on top before I go to bed tonight. I must talk to my grandmother tomorrow before going to class because she keeps turning the space heater down. She didn't turn it off this time, but instead turned it down on its lowest level. MY SNAKE NEEDS HEAT. The space heater provides air temps perfect for my snake if she'll let it heat up enough. Arg!